Arsenal is set to embark on a challenging week, starting with their opening Champions League fixture against Atalanta on September 20th. The match marks the beginning of a new era for the tournament, and Mikel Arteta’s side will be aiming to make a strong start.
This fixture comes in the middle of a demanding period for the Gunners. They are fresh off a hard-fought 1-0 victory over rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby, and they face another crucial match against Premier League champions Manchester City just three days after the Atalanta clash.
The challenges continue off the pitch as well. Key midfielders Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard are both dealing with injuries. Rice was suspended for the Spurs match, but is expected to be back for the Atalanta game. Ødegaard, however, is still recovering from an ankle injury sustained while on international duty with Norway. His return remains uncertain, adding further complications to Arteta’s selection headache.
Despite the absence of key players, Arsenal managed to secure a vital victory over Spurs. Jorginho stepped up in the absence of Rice, and Gabriel Magalhaes’ second-half header secured the three points.
The match against Atalanta is sure to be a tough one. The Italian side is known for its attacking prowess and will be looking to make a statement in their own home stadium. Arsenal will need to be at their best to secure a positive result and build momentum for the rest of their Champions League campaign.
The Atalanta vs. Arsenal match will kick off at 12:30 AM IST on September 20th at the Gewiss Stadium in Italy. You can catch the action live on the Sony Sports Network and the SonyLiv app and website.
